Almost

This chap came back to his car just as the truck was coming to lift it.
Gutted.

Brilliant

Here is another great paint job to one of the Bluebird buses. Picture courtesy of a colleague.

Another one

Here is the next to be unleashed.

First one

Here is the first of the bluebird fleet painted up. A colleague took this I am just Sharing it.

Last time

It might be a while until i post any pictures like this again. From tomorrow I will be working inside at Hyde Road. Felt it is time to learn something new for my career so I'm having a 12 month term working as inspector inside. At least ill get to see the new stuff as it arrives.

396

This just passed me by on the 396 in fitton hill.

New buses

Just got these pictures from a friend at oldham depot. I think they are streetlites. Not been on one but they look ok.

Feeling Blue

It's hard to figure out who is lucky enough to own these two darts. Oddly they are both Bluebird buses
Operating the 396 395 out of Ashton. Wasn't sure why there was two of them!
Don't know what's happening with the takeover but time will tell I'm sure. Lots of things going on with my career at the moment but won't go into too much yet but I hope to bring a different angle to this blog. Not decided yet.

Odd

Just had this Leyland Lion coming through Albert square. Never heard of one until I googled the number plate.

Today's victim

Here is today's lucky recipient of a parking ticket. Always nice to see.

Unlucky

Always nice to see cars getting lifted. It's a Shame they don't check the bus stops as much as the parking bays in the city.

Different view

Out again on my bike. It's been a while since I have been through droylsden and it's changed so much. It seems like yesterday since I was taking pictures of huge queues of traffic and roadworks everywhere. Trams are being tested in the line and I think the opening date for operations is feb 11th but I suppose it could be sooner. Had a nice ride out to Salford quays today. Not too warm but once I got going i soon warmed up. Off until Wednesday so plenty of chance to get out again.

Things to come

I'm off this week and thought I'd have a trip out in my bike. Not too far though a lingering cold is spoiling things. This is where trams and buses will be entering mumps interchange. The town centre is still a big mess found it very hard to get down union street in my bike. Not sure where in going yet but will share anything interesting.

Something amiss?

I noticed this button upside down on a new first bus enviro 400. A friend who was with with me says they are all like this. Either that or he always seems to get the same bus. Any ideas why it's like this? Or is it a one off?

Oldham metrolink

This was interesting to see earlier. This driver though he was heading up brook street and went up the tram line at mumps. Sadly disabling the entire mumps to shaw line from 630pm onwards. Apparently it also happens the night before too so mumps might need altering slightly. Ps happy Christmas all my readers x

Still here

It's been and busy couple of weeks so I have had very little time to post anything. With Christmas markets at Salford Quays, record passenger numbers and Christmas markets in Manchester it's been a mad year. The university students have finished now so it give me chance to slow down a little. Today a nice 10 - 6. I just noticed this old direction sign on the bus stop at Katherine street. Shame we don't use them anymore. Especially when a route changes or a new one is made.

Having a nosy

Thought I'd have. Nosey at why Mossley road was closed. Luckily it wasn't as serious as it looked and the road reopened within an hour.

Soggy

Slight burst on Brunswick street last night. There is water still gushing into it and it will probably be down to one lane for a week. Interesting to see the old tram lines.

Almost ready

This is East Didsbury tram stop. Was there the other day and thought I'd have a peek. Not sure when it's due to open. If its anything like the Rochdale or Droylsden extensions it will probably be 2020. Just noticed the Lovely sky in this picture.

Poorly bus

This city shuttle hybrid wasn't too well today at Piccadilly station. Had to be Towed back to queens road. Didn't ask what the problem was but thought I'd take the picture instead. Don't see many of them on tow so they must be pretty reliable.

Really?

Just at Mumps waiting for the tram. Was a bit surprised to see trams operating through to Rochdale, or so the board would have you think. They are still terminating at Mumps but I think someone has got a bit giddy. I have been using the bike lockers here for about 5 weeks now. Great idea! An quicker to get home from the tram stop than either the bus or by car as I can cut down through the park and be off the tram and in the front door in 8 minutes.

Good news and bad news

Today's idiot of the day was this BMW parked in Albert square making my bus stop at an angle (pet hate) on a good note Stagecoach Manchester have won large bus operator of the year. I'm always the first to pat us on the back as you will know reading this so today is no exception.

At that is?

Bit of a poor excuse for a Santa I think. This is the stage for the lights switch on tomorrow. More disruption for a Friday afternoon how thoughtful of the council.

Great parking

Fine example of how not to collect the passengers.

Annoying

Getting a bit bored if cars just blocking the stops in Albert square. Think I might. Just make my blog a hate site for inconsiderate motorists.

Bit messy

This is the start of the building works for Salford crescent station. The ticket office will be at the bridge with a walkway leading into the station itself. The works means that the 50 won't be using this area for twelve months but the stop on the main road isn't a million miles away. Back after a nice week off and it's half term so the roads are not too bad this week. And no, the two people at the closed stop are not waiting for a bus.

Bit big

I'm just in Albert square watching my 50 service and saw this come in on the free shuttle.

Oops

Here are a couple of pictures from the tram accident on Oxford street on Friday.
I was working on the 50 service in Albert square when I noticed a lot of people appearing at the stop. After a bit of digging I realised this had happened, luckily the road was only blocked for about 20 minutes. The 50 is becoming very very busy in the Salford area which is good after only 4 weeks. We are planning some changing for January since the service has been a massive success.

First signs

Just had a little ride into Oldham to see the metro link works. Track laying has begun now and the dug out section that goes down to Manchester street roundabout is taking shape. The town is still a mess though with roadworks. Mumps looks finished so I can understand why the cones are all still there. I read that testing on the line to Rochdale and to Droylsden was due to start very soon so will be keeping an eye out for that.

Nice to see you!

Just had the press launch of the 50 service. A few celebs called by to have their pictures taken with the bus we brought.